COMMENTARY: Educators unite in world association (11/10/96)

COMMENTARY: Educators unite in world association

by Michael Pylypczuk

Throughout history, Ukrainian teachers have played a leading role in preserving and promoting national and patriotic awareness among the people. During the Middle Ages, travelers through Eastern Europe were always amazed to witness the high level of literacy in the Ukrainian countryside. And, even during the centuries of foreign occupation, often under life-threatening circumstances, Ukrainian teachers gave their dedicated service to the survival of Ukraine.

Beyond Ukraine, including the Western diaspora, teachers of Ukrainian ancestry continued to cherish their heritage. As professional educators, in public and private institutions, and while teaching subjects such as chemistry, music or art, they also promoted the truth about Ukraine. And so in 1981, believing in the concept of "strength in numbers," a group of Philadelphia public and private school teachers of Ukrainian heritage formed what is now known as the Ukrainian World Association of Professional Educators (UWAPE). It was the right idea at the right time.

The Ukrainian World Association of Professional Educators immediately began its work. Within five years, the organization grew beyond Philadelphia and beyond the U.S. The first world conference of Ukrainian educators was held in Philadelphia on June 27-29, 1986. The conference registered 30 participants.

Subsequently, additional meetings were held, a successful fund-raiser for the children victims of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster was conducted, exhibits on the Great Famine of 1932-1933 were presented, committees to correct inaccuracies about Ukraine in textbook publications and the media were formed, and the first issue of the UWAPE newspaper, Lastivka, was published. Thus, the organization was established and was well on its way.

The decade since 1986 has witnessed an intensification of the numerous activities and programs sponsored by the UWAPE. In June of 1991 the second world conference was once again held in Philadelphia. This time, three teachers came from Ukraine.

Then, on August 24, 1991, Ukraine became independent. The world changed and the Ukrainian World Association of Professional Educators began to focus its main concern on helping Ukraine in its recovery and nation-building. As a result, the third and fourth world conferences were held in Kyiv during August of 1993 and 1995. Hundreds of delegates from Europe, Asia, Australia, North and South America filled to capacity the auditorium of the Teachers Building (the former headquarters of the Central Rada).

In independent Ukraine, and in a spirit of international cooperation and common vision, both conferences were a huge success. And now, plans are under way for the fifth world conference of Ukrainian educators, to be held in Kyiv in August 1997.

Universal wisdom teaches us that the success of a professional organization is dependent primarily on the dedication and expertise of its members and leaders. The Ukrainian World Association of Professional Educators has been blessed with a group of active, energetic and dedicated members who are experts in their fields and who together with the leadership are working toward making their contribution to the improvement of education in Ukraine.

For the past 10 years, Zynowij Kwit has served as president of UWAPE. Under his leadership the organization has flourished and expanded. Today, the UWAPE has 212 chapters in 20 countries and is still growing. Numerous activities, such as Youth Groups for the Promotion of Ukrainian Language, are being organized in the diaspora and in Ukraine, a worldwide student pen-pal program is spreading, a project to translate a popular American chemistry textbook for Ukrainian schools is in progress, and the "adopt a Ukrainian school" program, with emphasis on the eastern regions of Ukraine, has been initiated. In addition, regular contacts between chapters from neighboring countries (such as Canada-U.S. meetings) are encouraged and conducted. These are just some of the activities currently promoted by the UWAPE.

The Ukrainian World Association of Professional Educators is getting ready for the 21st century. In order that we meet the challenges of the next millennium we will need the participation and support of all of our Ukrainian colleagues in the academic community. There are thousands of professional educators of Ukrainian heritage who are not yet members of the UWAPE. We need them to assist us in the important work ahead. There may come a time when these educators may need us. We urge all Ukrainian professional educators to join our ranks.

For inquiries, questions and concerns, please write to: Michael Pylypczuk, UWAPE, 804 North Woodstock St., Philadelphia, PA 19130.

Michael Pylypczuk is vice-president of the Ukrainian World Association of Professional Educators.